''We have players who can come on and change the game. We want to feel proud.

''But now the talking stops and the playing begins.''

It does. In the sultry sauna of Manaus, in the heart of the Amazon.

For Hodgson, and England, what matters is that it does not turn into the Heart of Footballing Darkness.

That all the hopes and ambitions for his emerging team are not obliterated by a failure to keep their nerve, keep the ball, and keep control of Andrea Pirlo.

Andrea Pirlo Italy (Image: Barcroft/Getty)

Two years ago in Kiev, the Juventus schemer simply passed Hodgson's side to death. Filleted England with the dexterity of a Three-Starred Michelin chef.

Hodgson knows that preventing Pirlo from dominating is as key to his side's chances as the performance of his own potential virtuoso, Wayne Rooney.

Rooney talked the talk this week, seemingly more content than ever before when he has come to this stage, despite the recognition that it is probably his final World Cup chance.

Tonight, in the Arena Amazonia, he has to walk the walk. To demonstrate that he can live up to, perhaps even surpass, the potential he promised in Portugal, in Lisbon and Coimbra, a decade ago.

But Rooney, of course, is not the only man under scrutiny.

Step up: Rooney now has to prove he can do it at the World Cup (Image: Getty)

Glen Johnson must show he is not the weakest link. Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka must be secure. Leighton Baines needs to demonstrate Hodgson was right to consign Ashley Cole to the England past.

Ahead of them, Jordan Henderson has to stamp his authority and influence over the game, Adam Lallana must justify his selection ahead of Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck will be asked to explain why Hodgson wants him in his side, Daniel Sturridge needs to be the leader of the line.

It is, though, the leader of the whole team who is under the greatest, largest microscope.

Hodgson has waited his entire life for this moment. His pride will be immense.

We will know by 1am tomorrow if he has got it right. The heat is on, even if the sun will have gone down.